PodcastDeserted streets welcome New Year in Turkey
Turkey entered the New Year under a nationwide curfew as part of COVID-19 precautions. While all celebrations were strictly forbidden, law enforcement patrolled the streets across the country.
Turkey entered the New Year under a nationwide lockdown, enforced as part of COVID-19 precautions to combat the spread of the pandemic.
Starting at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, the four-day curfew covers the weekend, as well as the first day of 2021.
The restrictions forced Istanbulites to squeeze in all New Year's Eve shopping to the daytime on Dec. 31, accumulating large crowds as seen in this photo in the Spice Bazaar.
The center of nightlife in Istanbul, Beyoğlu district spent what was arguably the calmest New Year's Eve in its history, as the only crowds on Taksim Square were made up of law enforcement.